Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

An official said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.